Month: May 2015

Shelf Life of Pantry Foods

Have you taken the time to check your food pantry in your kitchen? Are you afraid of keeping something or throwing something away? This past weekend, our family pantry got a complete overhaul. Some items had been in the cabinet for well over a year. Some canned food had expired. Is it still safe to eat?

Avian Influenza

Check out this news story and see how this issue is affecting our food production. The virus has killed more than 38.9 million birds. Questions still exist about how the virus is being spread. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, said the poultry industry

Organic Fertilizer Recipe

Check out this example of an organic fertilizer made with the following ingredients: Cottonseed Meal (1.25 lb) Bone Meal (.6 lb) Kelp Meal (2.5 lb) Application 3/4 lbs for 50 sq. feet This video is very interesting and will give you some ideas for making your own organic fertilizer recipe. Over the past three years,

Plant Tissue Analysis Reminder

This time of year, many growers try to decide if plant tissue testing is worth the effort. Many times the issue is the process. One plant tissue test is probably a waste of time. Effective plant tissue testing requires a commitment on a regular basis. If you want to learn more, check out this 4-minute

Soil Nitrate Level Testing

Many growers look at the nitrate levels in their soil. This May has been an especially rainy one in this part of the country, (Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri). Nitrate levels are highest in soils that have finer textures, such as clay and silt, rather than those with rough textures, such as sand. Because nitrates are

Urban Gardening

Urban Gardening – What will it look like in the future when gardening, technology and the city people come together to grow their own produce. Check out this video presentation on different types of urban gardening appliances and infrastructure you could use to conduct your own gardening. It is really an interesting look at what

Container Gardening

Check out this informational video on selecting appropriate containers for your garden. Did you know you should select a container that has been high fired for 1400 degrees for two weeks? Have you thought about the look of your containers with respect to your background lawn? Color of container can make a lot of difference.

Frog Survey

Check out this interesting news story on frogs. Scientists in Wisconsin are listening to frogs throughout the year to determine populations. The scientists want to get a better handle on populations and look at the effects of the current water ways to identify an issues. It is an interesting news story! Picture Source: Pixabay

Germs at the Gym

Check out this news story investigation. This is an interesting report. Some of the results are very disturbing. Look at the areas that were swabbed and see the results for yourself. Always wipe down equipment before and after. Make sure you always wash your hands. Take proper precautions and you should be able to combat

Planting Produce Calendar

Have you wondered when you should plant items in your garden. If so, check out this garden planting schedule courteousy of the Farmer’s Almanac. It is a great guide with specific instructions on when to plant produce respective of the soil temperature. It’s not too late for a garden soil test either. At Midwest Laboratories,